Pulwama bomber’s father regrets loss of lives but warns of more militant attacks

Srinagar: The father of suicide bomber Adil Ahmad Dar, who rammed explosive ridden car into CRPF convoy killing 49 paramilitary personnel, regretted loss of lives in terror attack but warned that more dangerous militant attacks can take place if Kashmir issue not resolved.

Ghulam Hassan Dar, the father of 19-year-old Jaish suicide bomber Adil Ahmad Dar said, “I regret the loss of lives caused by the suicide bombing of my son. Precious lives have been lost. Whether a militant, a civilian or force personnel is killed, ultimately a precious life is lost. Last year, over 250 militants were killed by forces.”

While speaking to newspaper at his home in Gandibagh village of Kakapora in south Kashmir’s Pulwama district, the elder Dar said, some 5 kms from the spot, where the suicide bombing took place. Adil rammed his explosive ridden SUV into 59-seater CRPF vehicle, which was part of a 70 vehicle CRPF convoy coming from Jammu to Srinagar, at Lehpora area, some 20 kms south of Srinagar on Thursday afternoon.

Ghulam said that the CRPF men, who were killed in his son’s suicide bombing had families and his son too has a family. “I am pained over the killing of my son. My dreams were attached with him. Similarly families of the CRPF men, who were killed in the blast, also have families and they too would be pained over the killing of their family members,” he said.

Father of terrorist regrets loss of lives but warns of more dangerous militant attacks:

Dar asked the Indian government to give up rigidity on Kashmir and take measures in addressing and resolving the Kashmir issue. “It would be better if the Kashmir issue is resolved so that no youth is pushed to the wall and forced to take up the gun to fight for freedom,” he said.

Adil had joined militancy in March last year. “After he went missing and joined militant ranks last year, he did not contact us,” said Ghulam. “He did not tell us when he left home to join the militancy,” he said. Dar said the family had no information about his son and infact was sleeping at his home yesterday afternoon when police called him to inform him that his son had carried out the suicide bombing on CRPF convoy. Dar said although he does not support violence but warned that there can be more dangerous militant attacks than his son’s suicide bombing if Kashmir issue is not addressed and resolved.

Asked whether other youth who have gone into militancy can follow the path of his son, Dar said, “I am an illiterate. I think they should not think on these lines. The government should think over it. It should take necessary measures including holding talks to resolve the Kashmir issue. The government should take measures to prevent loss of precious lives in Valley,” he said. Asked why his son joined militancy, he said, “The situation is pushing youth to the wall. My son was less educated but why did PhD scholar like Mannan Wani join militancy. The non-resolution of the Kashmir issue and excesses committed by security forces is acting as a trigger for youth to join militancy,” he said. People in large numbers from the Gandibagh village and its adjoining hamlets were visiting the Dar’s house to express condolences with his family.

A large tent had been set up in a compound of the house, where young and old men were visiting. The chants of pro-freedom slogans were renting the area. People also offered funeral prayers in absentia for deceased Jaish suicide bomber after Friday prayers amidst chanting of pro-freedom and anti-India slogans. Earlier, the funeral prayers in absentia for the deceased Jaish bomber was held last night and a large number of people attended the funeral prayers.

Amit Shah, Vasundhara Raje-Shivraj Singh likely to get Cabinet berth!

New Delhi: The NDA’s landslide victory in the Lok Sabha elections has put the spotlight on the next big headline: the men and women who will be in Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s council of ministers.

Modi, the first Prime Minister to win two clear majorities in a row, could possibly bring in new faces in his Council of Ministers.

There is intense speculation that BJP President Amit Shah might be given a heavyweight Cabinet berth. He was not included in the Council of Ministers in the first term of the Modi government. Taking into account his exceptional role in delivering the party a massive second mandate, he could well be retained in the same position.

But since the party has a policy of one person not being given two positions, Shah may have to give up his role as the BJP chief in case he is inducted in the Council of Ministers.

It is also being said that Piyush Goyal, who held the finance portfolio when Arun Jaitley was unwell, is a candidate for this top portfolio.

Goyal, the Railways Minister, has been chipping in whenever Jaitley had to take leave for medication for his ailment. Jaitley, who is said to indisposed, is likely to be made Minister Without Portfolio.

Jaitley was conspicuous by his absence on Thursday evening at the victory celebrations held at the BJP headquarters led by the Prime Minister and Shah. Prior to the celebrations, Shah went to meet him at his residence.

The first major task before the new Finance Minister will be to present the full Budget by July. In February, Piyush Goyal had presented the Interim Budget in view of the Lok Sabha elections.

Smriti Irani, who held Textiles portfolio till now, is expected to get back the HRD Ministry, considering that she has emerged as a giant killer by defeating Congress President Rahul Gandhi in his family pocket borough Amethi.

Gadkari, who was Minister for Road Transport and Highways, Shipping and Water Resources, may also get a bigger portfolio in view of the successful work done by him in the ministries held by him in the first term. He is also believed to have the blessings of the RSS.

Ram Madhav, BJP’s General Secretary (Organisation), may also be made a Minister and given an important portfolio with Cabinet rank.

Former Chief Minister Vasundhara Raje is also likely to be inducted in the ministry with a Cabinet berth. Among other new faces who could be brought in is former Madhya Pradesh Chief Minister Shivraj Singh.

Niti Aayog too may have a new vice chairman with Nandan Nilekeni replacing Rajiv Kumar. There may also been new representatives from the NDA allies, like the Shiv Sena and JD(U).

The new Council of Ministers is also likely to see some of the ministers of the outgoing Council not finding their place. Among them are Hansraj Ahir and Shiv Sena’s Anant Geete, both of whom lost the just-held Lok Sabha elections.

There is also a possibility of Uma Bharati not finding a place in the new Council of Ministers. The party will also have to look for a new Lok Sabha Speaker, since Sumitra Mahajan did not contest this time.

As part of the bureaucratic rejig, Cabinet Secretary P.K. Sinha or Delhi Lt Governor Anil Baijal may be made Principal Secretary to the PM.